negra
/NEH-grah/
black
As an adjective, negra means 'black' when describing a feminine noun, such as a raven.
negra(adjective)
black
?color, describing a feminine noun
dark
?describing a deep color or lack of light
📝 In Action
Quiero comprar una falda negra para la fiesta.
A1I want to buy a black skirt for the party.
La tinta negra se regó sobre el libro.
A2The black ink spilled all over the book.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'negra' must match the noun it describes in gender (feminine) and number (singular). If you were describing a masculine noun, you would use 'negro'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Feminine Nouns
Remember to use 'negra' when describing nouns like 'mesa' (table), 'casa' (house), or 'chaqueta' (jacket), as these are feminine nouns.
As a noun, negra means 'Black woman.'
📝 In Action
La nueva abogada es una negra muy inteligente.
B1The new lawyer is a very intelligent Black woman.
¿Conoces a esa negra que canta tan bien?
A2Do you know that Black woman who sings so well?
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Article
When 'negra' is used as a noun for a person, it follows the rules for feminine nouns. You often use the feminine article 'la' or 'una' before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Confusion
Mistake: "Using 'negra' to refer to a man (e.g., 'El negra')."
Correction: Use 'negro' (masculine form) when referring to a man, like 'El negro es mi amigo' (The Black man is my friend).
⭐ Usage Tips
Cultural Sensitivity Warning
While often used neutrally or even affectionately (especially in the Caribbean and some parts of Latin America, sometimes as an endearment like 'mi negra'), this term can be highly offensive in other contexts or countries. Always observe how locals use the word before adopting it.
Figuratively, negra can mean 'dark' or 'gloomy,' often used to describe events or a mood, like a dark storm.
negra(adjective)
dark
?figurative: describing events or mood
,unfortunate
?referring to luck or destiny
gloomy
?describing a perspective or feeling
📝 In Action
Tuvo una suerte negra en los negocios.
B2She had terrible/unfortunate luck in business.
Esa fue una época negra para la familia, llena de problemas.
C1That was a dark era for the family, full of problems.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Meaning
When used figuratively, 'negra' extends the idea of 'black' (absence of light) to mean 'absence of hope' or 'difficulty' in phrases like 'mala suerte' (bad luck).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: negra
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'negra' to describe a feeling or condition rather than a color or person?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'negra' sometimes used as a term of endearment?
In certain regions, particularly the Caribbean, using 'negra' (or 'negrito'/'negrita') is a common, often affectionate way to address loved ones, similar to 'sweetheart' or 'dear.' It often loses its literal racial connotation in these contexts, but context is key.